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Convocation Day at Algonquin College

The following is an excerpt from the President Claude Brulé’s October 28 address at the 2020 Convocation; learn more about Algonquin College first virtual convocation here. As your President, I am both humbled and honoured to have this opportunity to celebrate your resilience and success. Amidst the events reshaping our global reality, be they the […]

Office of the President

Photos:

November 4, 2020
Revised: November 4, 2020 10:37am

The following is an excerpt from the President Claude Brulé’s October 28 address at the 2020 Convocation; learn more about Algonquin College first virtual convocation here.

As your President, I am both humbled and honoured to have this opportunity to celebrate your resilience and success.

Amidst the events reshaping our global reality, be they the pandemic, climate change, the fight for social justice and equality, or automation and the world of Artificial Intelligence, we come together to celebrate your incredible achievement, which is all the more remarkable given these extraordinary times.

In this age of great uncertainty, I can be certain of one thing…. The steadfast determination you have displayed will serve you well in the new environment being shaped so rapidly before us.

The world you are entering, upon graduation, looks nothing like the world from even a year ago. Yet, along with the challenges that lay ahead, the future holds promise and opportunities the likes of which have not been presented to any generation for a long time.

The door is open for you to really change the world, and not in a clichéd sense, but in real and tangible ways, emboldened with fresh ideas and new perspectives.

It also stands ready for your generation’s champions of social justice, to address issues of inequity, and the lack of diversity and inclusion that recent events have brought to the forefront in ways that can no longer be ignored.

Whatever your path forward, you will have the opportunity to help lead a true transformation –

to recalibrate the socio-economic inequities for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour on a scale never seen before. And to reshape the modern workforce and break new ground in your chosen field.

Embracing our community will hopefully be one of the enduring legacies to emerge from these times, and you will be the ones to pass this on to the next generation.

Education, in its many forms, is a significant touchstone. It helps form the solid ground beneath our feet. It allows us to adapt, pivot and anticipate rather than merely react when change inevitably challenges our lives.

The knowledge and skills you have acquired here at Algonquin College are now part of your “tool kit”, helping to “future-proof” your career.

I want to borrow now from my colleague, Ron (Deganadus) McLester, Algonquin’s Vice President – Truth, Reconciliation & Indigenization. He often uses the metaphor of arrows in a

quiver. An arrow on its own will snap easily, however when they are bundled together, they are strong and resilient. Having many arrows in your quiver provides strength, and will enhance your confidence when faced with the many challenges set to come your way.

So … going forward … be inspired to learn new things and develop new skills. Fill your quiver with more arrows and make your mark.

Everything of value starts with an idea. What ideas are you preparing to share with the world? What script are you about to write?

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of the author, Neil Gaiman, and I’d like to borrow what I think is an appropriate quote from his book, Art Matters: “It is easy to pretend that nobody can change anything, that society is huge and the individual is less than nothing. But the truth is, individuals make the future, and they do it by imagining that things can be different.”

So, when you think about your future, where does your imagination take you? The world needs your creativity, your energy and your resiliency more than ever before. It needs you to dream big dreams, and to go forward and be fearless.

Be unafraid to fail and to learn from your missteps. To borrow again from Neil Gaiman: “Now go, and make interesting mistakes…Make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for you being here.” History is filled with the stories of entrepreneurs and leaders in every field whose ideas met with initial dismissal, failure, and seemingly insurmountable odds before they achieved success.

So let opportunity be what defines you. I know you already possess the determination, imagination and innovative spirit to overcome any obstacles in your path.

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Claude Brulé

Office of the President

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Taking care of one’s own mental health should be top priority

The Fall term has always been a time of excitement – but also of increased responsibility and stress within our College community. Amidst the pandemic, I know many of us are struggling with additional feelings of anxiety and isolation this year. That’s why I call on each and every one of you to make mental […]

Office of the President

Photos:

October 14, 2020
Revised: October 15, 2020 6:54pm

That’s why I call on each and every one of you to make mental health your top priority.

Six years ago, the Mental Health Commission of Canada released a report highlighting how post-secondary student populations across the country are at a higher risk of mental health issues.

The report detailed how half of all lifetime cases of diagnosable mental illness start by 14 years-of-age, and 75 per cent by the age of 24. Half of all Canadians will have, or will have had, a mental illness by the age of 40.

In the intervening years since that report, Algonquin College has taken many steps to enhance its support networks and resources to help our learners and employees look after their mental health.

That work continues with an even greater sense of purpose today, as we now face new personal challenges brought upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a return to normal still on the horizon, taking care of ourselves has become even more critical.

Algonquin College takes pride in being an inclusive, caring community. We strive each day to support and respect one another – to show kindness and empathy. By doing this, we break down the old and harmful stigmas around mental health.

Building awareness is crucial, and I encourage every learner and employee to take the time to reflect on how they are feeling and coping during these unprecedented times. Part of being aware is accepting that it is okay to be vulnerable. Asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness. Never hesitate to reach out when in need. In addition to the resources referenced above, there are also many apps and online tools available to you, and excellent resources offered by Ottawa Public Health.

One of the recent developments in our continuing efforts around mental health is the expanded partnership Algonquin College has with The Royal. This summer, thanks to a $250,000 contribution from RBC Foundation, more of our learners in need will be able to meet online with a psychiatrist from The Royal and get the support they need through a customized treatment plan.

We also offer a complete range of counselling services and general supports in an effort to cater to the individual needs of every learner, understanding the broad range of challenges and lived experiences across our student population. These services are provided by professionals who can accommodate you virtually from the comfort of your own home.

Like everyone, I am looking forward to the time when we can all safely be together again, enjoying the vibrancy and energy of being on campus. Until then, please know you are not alone. We want you to turn your dreams into lifelong success and are committed to helping you on the journey.

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Library program honours late faculty with Halloween fundraiser

The library and information technician program combines Halloween fun with heartfelt remembrance in their fundraiser honouring late faculty members

Emmet Paradis

Photos: Emmet Paradis

November 12, 2024
Revised: November 12, 2024 10:29am

Photo: Emmet Paradis

LIT students, coordinator Helena Miriam and her daughter Maija Merriam selling $2 mystery books.

Joy turned to sorrow as the library and information technician program prepared to offer Natalie Megginson a full-time position. After years of dedicated part-time work, in 2018, Megginson was ready for a well-deserved promotion. Tragically, she passed away before the news could be shared. Less than a year later, another cherished faculty member, Mac Nason died, leaving voids in the program and in the hearts of those who knew them.

The library and information technician program held a Book or Treat fundraiser on Oct. 31 in the link between the Algonquin Woodroffe campus N and J-buildings. The event aimed to raise money for the program student awards, which honour former faculty members Megginson and Nason.

Students and staff, dressed in Halloween costumes, sold mystery books for $2 each. The cover of each book was concealed by paper but included teaser descriptions. The event also featured baked goods.

The small program, with only two full-time faculty members, relies on these fundraisers to continue offering the awards.

“The students have the opportunity to participate. We’re all asked to bring baked goods or books to donate,” said Brynn Durrant, a second-year LIT student. “But you don’t have to stand at the table or buy anything if you don’t want to.”

“We wanted to do something fun with it,” said Helena Merriam, coordinator of the LIT program.

The fundraiser is especially significant this year as the college has cancelled its annual awards ceremony, which celebrates students’ achievements and honours the memory of beloved instructors. The college did not respond to requests for comment on the reason for the cancellation.

“Mac’s son and daughter come to our awards ceremony and get to meet the students,” Merriam said. “It’s really meaningful.”

Nason, who worked in the program for 17 years, was known for his dedication and mentorship. His passing in 2019 left a profound impact on both students and faculty.

In previous years, the awards ceremony provided a platform to celebrate success and recognize achievements within the LIT program. The personal touch of having family members present the awards will be missed.

“We want to make sure that our colleagues are remembered and that our students feel supported,” said Merriam.

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Emmet Paradis

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Whoosh! Right on target: SA tests students’ interest in archery tag

Students gained new friendships and memorable experiences through the new archery tournament at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre

Laiyiady Lam

Photos: Laiyiady Lam

November 12, 2024
Revised: November 12, 2024 10:16am

Photo: Laiyiady Lam

Bivin Job, Jorja Watson and Andrew Ross won the second round of the archery tag tournament on Nov. 4. They were sweaty but happy with their victory.

Following the referee’s signal, two teams began aiming their bows and arrows at each other to score points. Students wore full-coverage gray masks for face protection and held black-and-white plastic bows in their hands. Even with clothes soaked in sweat, they ran as fast as they could to dodge arrows from the other side.

The Students’ Association ran an archery tag tournament on Nov. 4 in the gym at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.

Each player must wear a protective face mask and an arm guard on their wrist before the game begins. They also receive a plastic bow to use during play.

When the game starts, teammates rush to the centre of the field, racing against their opponents to grab as many arrows as possible. There are inflatable plastic shields set up on both sides and participants could use them to block arrows from opponents. Once hit, a player is out for that round. The team that eliminates all players on the other side first earns a point.

Jori Ritchie, the Algonquin College manager of athletic operations, said the archery tag tournament was an opportunity to gauge interest in the game.

“This equipment was just purchased recently,” she said. “It’s just getting people exposed to it so that we can offer bigger tournaments.”

Eight students participated in the event. After forming teams, they prepared to compete against each other.

The players rush over to snatch a scattered pile of arrows on the gym floor, quickly reloading before re-engaging with the opposing team. — At the start of the game, students rush to the center of the field to collect arrows for their teammates. The more arrows they grab, the greater their advantage. Photo credit: Laiyiady Lam

Jorja Watson, a Level 3 student in the fitness and health program, performed exceptionally well and her team won the second race.

“This is my first time ever shooting in arrow,” she said. “Last game I shot two people, and in the game before maybe three.”

Nathaniel Walsom, a Level 1 student in the architectural technician program, was positive about his performance.

“So far, I’ve been hit more times than I want. I got absolutely smoked in the side of the head,” he said. “I’ve been hit in the gut once, that didn’t feel good either, but it’s just for fun. It doesn’t hurt too bad.”

a player with a protective mask and a black athletic outfit is kneeling and drawing a bow, launching a foam-tipped arrow toward opponents. — Students have to dodge while shooting arrows. The tournament uses foam-tipped arrows and inflatable obstacles for a safe and exciting competitive environment. Photo credit: Laiyiady Lam

After each game, the students gathered to share their favourite moments and discuss their misses. During the conversation, they formed strong bonds and friendships without realizing it.

Watson and Walsom said students can make many new friends through such competitions.

“You just show up and meet new people. Honestly, it’s a good way to make new friends and have fun,” Walsom said.

Ritchie acknowledged that organizing such events has several challenges.

“One of the major challenges we face is student schedules and managing events around school,” she said. “The hope is to offer this as much as we can, and offer different programs, inviting different people in to try things out.”

She said they are considering offering individual registration instead of just team registration next time, which could open the door for more participants.

Ritchie said the event may be held again next semester or next year, if it works with the schedules.

Sports & Recreation

Laiyiady Lam

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Rivalry win for Wolves women’s volleyball team in dramatic match against La Cité Coyotes

Both the Wolves and the Coyotes coaches had issues with the officiating

Ben Fleguel

Photos: Ben Fleguel

November 12, 2024
Revised: November 12, 2024 10:07am

Photo: Ben Fleguel

Wolves attempt a big block against Akemi Boudreau, who led the Coyotes in kills at the end of the match.

Controversy was brewing in the Wolves 3-2 win against the La Cité Coyotes on Nov. 6 at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.

Head coach for the Wolves, Everton Senior, said he felt there were too many “non-calls” during the match.

“It was 26-26, there was a non-call, it was a blatant double on their player, and the message he (the referee) sent me was that he’s not going to make that call at 26-26. I don’t know why, if it’s a foul it’s a foul,” said Senior

The complaints about a lack of calls was not one-sided, according to Coyotes head coach David Mann.

“They decided not to call technicals today,” said Mann.

Senior became incensed at the referee during the third set after he saw another infringement the referee did not catch.

“I’m usually more calm than that,” said Senior.

Mann looked over at the Wolves coach and said “you’re not wrong.”

Jordan Faig, one of the Wolves liberos, said that she noticed a lot of double touches, lifts and line calls that should have been made, but the team worked past it.

“We were able to put it in the back of our minds and keep pushing through,” said Faig.

Wolves Carys Tenthorey attempts to save a sure Coyote kill. Photo credit: Ben Fleguel

The match was a nail-biter with the Wolves and Coyotes trading sets all night, which led to a dramatic fifth set after a commanding 25-12 fourth set win by the Coyotes.

Riley Lancia, one of the Wolves’ middle blockers, said the team’s mental toughness allowed them to win that final set 15-9.

“I think we got into their heads at some point when we stayed really strong and loud,” said Lancia. “They started to get down on themselves.”

Faig said the Wolves weren’t happy with their serving performance, making 19 service errors in the match.

“We’re normally a really strong serving team. we’ve never made that many errors in a game so far,” said Faig.

Normally, serving is a reliable source of kills for the Wolves team.

They lead the league in service aces per set, which is when a serve scores a point without the other team being able to defend and return an attack.

The Wolves finished the game third place in the East with a 4-2 record.

The losses came from Seneca and Durham, who occupy first and second ahead of the Wolves, respectively.

The Wolves have a ton of ambition this season, according to Faig.

“I want to win,” said Faig. “I think we can go, from here on out, undefeated, If we continue to play at our peak.”

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Ben Fleguel

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Students flock to thrift shops for affordable, unique fashions

Shopping at thrift markets allows students to maintain a balance between fashion and affordability

Zhiqi Zhou

Photos: Zhiqi Zhou

November 12, 2024
Revised: November 12, 2024 9:44am

Photo: Zhiqi Zhou

Brady Warnock co-owner of Midday Picnic, stands in the middle of the event venue. He said as the cost of living increases, more and more students are coming to patronize the thrift market.

With the cost of living rising dramatically, the Midday Picnic held on Nov. 6 at the Student Commons in E-building provided students a marketplace for thrift clothes that are both stylish, vintage and cheap.

Students are now opting for more thrift shops, and it’s a better option for them to balance fashion and affordability. Brady Warnock, co-owner of Midday Picnic, said there is a growing number of student customers, not just at this event, but also in his thrifting store on Instagram.

“Everything is getting so expensive whether it’s rent or food, and students are trying to save money wherever they can while still being fashionable,” Warnock said.

Allison Bailey, a Level 3 student in the administration program, was delighted with the unique clothes she could buy at this event.

“I bought a shirt with a bunch of turkeys on it, and I guarantee you no one else in this school has a shirt with a bunch of turkeys on it,” Bailey said.

Students stopped in front of different booths to look for clothing they wanted: unique and affordable. Photo credit: Zhiqi Zhou

The variety of items at the thrift market also appeals to students like Brianna Beaudoin, Level 1 pre-health science student student. Beaudoin said she shops at the Midday Picnic because of the array of clothes.

“I think you can find more interesting things than just the normal clothes everyone wears daily, and it’s way cheaper than buying at a store,” Beaudoin said.

Maggie Murray, a Level 3 student in the administration program, gets 90 per cent of her wardrobe from thrift shops.

“I’ve found this way to be more sustainable and have more variety and interesting things in my wardrobe,” Murray said.

Murray started buying second-hand when she was 15 years old. She liked to look for interesting and niche things before but now she relies on thrift stores for essential objects. Murray said the prices at thrift shops have gone up, but they are still cheaper than retail shops.

“It’s getting more difficult to find good stuff at reasonable prices these days, but it’s better than buying stuff that only lasts three months, is brand new and is only made of microplastics,” Murray said.

Warnock said this is the third year the market has been held at Algonquin College, and it is held monthly.

“The students here love it, and we just like the crowd here more as well,” Warnock said.

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Zhiqi Zhou

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Wolves women’s basketball team defeats St. Lawrence in home game

The Wolves continued their streak with their fourth win of the season

Kimberly Tremblay

Photos: Kimberly Tremblay

November 12, 2024
Revised: November 12, 2024 9:33am

Photo: Kimberly Tremblay

Mallory Katz (left) with teammate Piper Hatherall (right) during the game. The Wolves women's basketball team played against the St. Lawrence Surge on Nov. 8 at the Jack Doyle Athletics & Recreation Centre, located at Algonquin College's Ottawa campus.

The Wolves women’s basketball team won 94-35 against the St. Lawrence Surge on Nov. 8 at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.

This is the fourth win for the Wolves, who remain undefeated this season.

The Wolves’ strong defence was no match for St. Lawrence as they dominated the first quarter of the game.

Wolves forward Mallory Katz scored the first two points of the game. Piper Hatherall, who is also a forward, scored the final point of the first quarter with only 14 seconds remaining.

The Wolves led 20-4 in the first quarter.

Wolves coach Jaime McLean was proud of his team’s great defence.

“The first quarter is all about setting the tone defensively, setting a standard and us playing to that standard,” said McLean after the first quarter.

Coach Jaime McLean talks strategy with the Wolves women's basketball team before the final quarter of the game. The Wolves played against the St. Lawrence Surge on Nov. 8 at the Jack Doyle Athletics & Recreation Centre, located at Algonquin College's Ottawa campus. Photo credit: Kimberly Tremblay

St. Lawrence made a strong effort to catch up during the second quarter, but the Wolves maintained their lead.

The second quarter ended with the Wolves ahead 42-23.

Fans of both teams cheered and stomped their feet, showing their school spirit during the game.

James Turner, a fan of the St. Lawrence Surge, was concerned the team would walk away with another loss.

“The girls have been falling behind,” said Turner during the third quarter. “They haven’t won a single game this season and this is their first game away from home.”

St. Lawrence continued to fall behind in the third quarter while the Wolves scored another 30 points.

McLean believes his team’s excellent defence is why they are doing well this season.

“Our third quarter defence has been excellent. We’re going to be aggressive defensively. It’s going to be really hard to score against us,” said McLean. “We don’t play down to our competition. We want to focus so when we play good teams, we’re ready for them.”

Wolves guard Dasia McDonald agreed.

“Talking about defence is our biggest thing. We want to bring intensity on that because our defence is our main source of winning our games,” said McDonald during the third quarter.

Wolves guard Dasia McDonald (right) works her way around St. Lawrence forward Laura Mallen (left). The game took place on Nov. 8 at the Jack Doyle Athletics & Recreation Centre, located at Algonquin College's Ottawa campus. Photo credit: Kimberly Tremblay

The Wolves were ahead 72-25 in the third quarter.

In the final quarter, Wolves forward Libby Hirst scored two points in the final 30 seconds of the game.

Wolves fans cheered at the final buzzer as the home team easily contained the Surge.

McDonald was excited about the team’s win. She said McLean’s advice before the game helped the team chemistry on the court.

“We’re a close group of girls so he tells us to play like it. He encouraged us to be there for each other,” said McDonald after the game.

“Seeing our teammates contribute in different ways is something he likes to see. It shows in the game that we care more about our teammates’ successes over our own.”

Although the Wolves have won all their games this season, McDonald said the Wolves are preparing to play against more challenging teams.

“We still have a lot to work on,” said McDonald. “Our toughest competition will be most likely in the west, so we have to prepare ourselves for those games.”

The Wolves will be travelling to Oshawa this week to play against the Durham Lords on Nov. 15.

Sports & Recreation

Kimberly Tremblay

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Algonquin College finalizing future vision for the campus

Algonquin College’s Master Campus Development Plan calls for new buildings, more green space and easier access via an upgraded LRT station

Sophie Daly

Photos: Sophie Daly

November 12, 2024
Revised: November 12, 2024 9:09am

Photo: Sophie Daly

Partners with MCDP discussing plans with staff on Nov. 4 in Nawapon at C-building.

College staff overseeing the 10-year Master Campus Development Plan held one of their final consultation sessions on Nov. 4 in Nawapon at C-building.

The meeting was to get final thoughts on the future of the Algonquin College Woodroffe campus before presenting a final proposal to the board of directors.

Staff went through current contraction plans for the college, focusing on increasing building demolition, creating a greener walkable campus and introducing the LRT station.

They laid out the big moves they were proposing to combat the campus’ challenges, including renewing and building the entry from Navaho Drive, creating a more welcoming and livable campus, enhancing edges, entries and connections with the community, establishing a diverse green space and safely facilitating travel modes on campus.

Representatives from Urban Strategies, an urban planning department company hired as a consultant on the plan, went through their sections.

Tim Smith, principal of Urban Strategies, and Eric Turcotte, a partner of Urban Strategies, spoke about the demolition aspect of the plan. Photos were shown with certain buildings in red, yellow and green. Red buildings are where short- or medium-term development would occur.

“We will demolish buildings with a significant need for maintenance since in the long term, they will cost less to demolish and rebuild them than continuing to invest money into them,” said Turcotte.

Considering the age of the campus, trying to maintain certain buildings would not help keep the campus fresh.

“Part of the solution to this is not constantly reinvesting in these buildings but actually to begin demolishing buildings and building new ones,” said Smith.

Many buildings eyed for demolition are smaller or less used. On the other hand, structures like B-building are large and too expensive to demolish.

Their plan highlights demolishing older buildings first, such as F, H and A buildings, to create new multipurpose buildings with the lower level being academic space and the upper level being residential areas.

The plan envisions creating more green space on campus and social areas outside for students to use, as well as enhancing the campus edges with the community to help create a welcoming and livable environment.

Koala Attry, a baking and pastry art management student, is interested in the idea of creating more recreational spaces

“I came from India and used to play a lot of cricket. It would be nice to have an area or grounds where people could play cricket. I find there are green areas but no recreation areas,” said Attry, who attended the consultation.

Other parts of the plan aim to increase the ability for people to travel to and from campus. With the LRT station being added and with Baseline Station turning into Algonquin Station, the team is aiming for more people to take advantage of public transportation.

Concerns about people driving and parking on campus were brought up.

Jeff Agate, associate director of Students Support Services, asked the team if the size of the parking lot would be affected by construction since the plan is pushing for more green space and transit use.

“When we are looking at development, we are looking at a lower level or underground parking in order to facilitate building growth,” said Ryan Southwood, executive director of Facilities Management.

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Sophie Daly

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Postcards for Veterans brings joy to students and soldiers

The event had a goal of producing 160 postcards for veterans living at Perley Health

Mackenzie Cardinal

Photos: Mackenzie Cardinal

November 11, 2024
Revised: November 11, 2024 10:24am

Photo: Mackenzie Cardinal

Jenny Rizk, the event coordinator, reads each heartfelt message.

For baking and pastry alumna Sabrina Boucher, Remembrance Day is special for her and her family.

“I think it’s important to remember the sacrifices of people who’ve died. I have a family member who’s in the army, so I understand how dangerous the line of work can be,” said Boucher. “If that person died, I would be devastated, so I’m more emotionally attached to this day.”

Many students feel the same way as Boucher. That’s why, for people who want to honour Canada’s soldiers and veterans, the Postcards for Veterans event was the best way to show their respect.

Postcards for Veterans happened in E-building on Nov. 5. It allowed students to write to veterans in long-term care facilities.

Jenny Rizk explaining the event to a student. Photo credit: Mackenzie Cardinal

Event coordinator Jenny Rizk, who works in student support services at the college’s Volunteer Centre, talked about the event’s important purpose.

“We’re writing postcards with messages of thank you to our veterans. It gives our youth a way to thank the people who have served,” she said.

One hundred and sixty postcards written was their goal, and postcards would be mailed to veterans living in Perley Health, a long-term care facility in Ottawa.

However, soldiers still serving won’t be forgotten. Soldiers attending the Remembrance Day ceremony on campus will receive postcards.

Postcards were written with anonymity in mind. Rizk had everyone sign with “from Algonquin College” or “from Algonquin College students.” There was a paper on each table, showing various messages students could write on the postcards.

Some of the students who showed up were there for their community service hours or for their program requirement.

For Sharlene Jaromay, her reason was much more personal.

“Their dedication to our country is something that I appreciate, and I wanted to thank them for their efforts,” said Jaromay, a business management and entrepreneurship student.

One of the postcards was written to Chief Joseph Dreaver of the Mistawasis First Nation, who served during the First and Second World Wars. According to the Government of Canada, it is estimated that over 4,000 Indigenous Canadians served in the First World War.

At the end of the event, the goal of 160 postcards was achieved, and students left happily knowing they added a little joy to veterans’ lives.

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Mackenzie Cardinal

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Opinion: Why we shouldn’t care about cringe culture

Guess what? Everyone is cringey

Siobhan Rollo

Photos:

November 11, 2024
Revised: November 11, 2024 10:20am

Cringe culture is a relatively new thing to members of “Gen Z.” We’ve all seen them suggested to us on social media: cringe compilations, try not to cringe challenges, entire meme pages dedicated to those they deem “cringey”. The word eventually makes you, well, cringe. However, I need to ask, why does all of this matter anyway?

Cringe culture is a way of reintroducing shame-guilt-fear culture. Shame-guilt-fear culture is a sociopolitical term which describes the idea of excluding people because you feel that they do shameful things, they do things that they should feel guilty about or they do something that makes others fear them.

While it has its place, shame-guilt–fear culture eventually became a way of vetting out “undesirable” people in the 19th century. It would be an easy way to whistleblow people of colour, queer individuals, neurodivergent people, immigrants, the list goes on.

With the sudden fear of cringe culture further developing, it just creates more outsiders. Do you dare to like a cartoon made for children? That’s cringe! Do you dress differently than our social norm? That’s cringe! It’s another way to ostracize people.

Cringe culture is also an excuse to cyber bully people at large. If you post something that someone deems “cringe,” it puts you at risk of being plastered in a cringe compilation. You become a jester because of your passion. The worst part is that the concept of “cringe” is subjective, as most terms are.

So you — yes, you who dared to post a TikTok about something you are passionate about — can be selected at random by someone who doesn’t enjoy your passion. Just like that, you’re made into a public spectacle. The comments aren’t any better. They take the opportunity of screen anonymity to tear people apart. The more vulnerable a person seems, the better.

I’ll tell you something, a secret some of you may not know. All of us are cringey. If you dare to be an individual, you’re subject to being labelled cringey. There’s always something you do that’s cringey. For some, it’s their interest in anime. For others, it’s the way they get excited to ride a rollercoaster. Everyone is cringey.

The Disney movie Turning Red is a good example of how cringe culture is received by the general public. When the movie came out, there was a lot of controversy surrounding the way the characters acted. Mei, our main character, is your average preteen girl. She likes boy bands. She likes to make silly videos with her friends. She tries her best in school. She’s got weird crushes on grody teenage boys. But this was enough for audiences to get upset. Her crushes are cringe. The way she dances on tape is cringe. The way they talk about her going through puberty is cringe. The way she likes to sing boyband songs with her friends is cringe. That’s right, not even fictional characters are immune to the label of being cringe.

If there was one thing I’d ask you to take away from this, is that cringe culture doesn’t matter. It’s always existed, but we’ve always survived it. I promise you that being cringe isn’t the end of the world. Let yourself be passionate and vulnerable. Disregard those who hate you for it. Because for every bully that calls you cringey, there are lots of people who are cringey just like you. Doing “cringey” things doesn’t make you cringey. It just makes you an individual.

Opinions

Siobhan Rollo

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Siobhan Rollo

Teamwork triumphs: Wolves dominate La Cité Coyotes in long-awaited victory

A newfound unity gives the men's volleyball Wolves a fresh start, bringing renewed hope and momentum to their season

Caroline Kirkey

Photos: Caroline Kirkey

November 11, 2024
Revised: November 11, 2024 10:14am

Photo: Caroline Kirkey

The Wolves team celebrates a massive win after a five game losing streak.

The Wolves men’s volleyball team delivered an impressive performance against the La Cité Coyotes on Nov. 6, securing a dominant 3-0 win at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.

This victory was especially significant for the Wolves, who were struggling with a five-game losing streak.

For the team, this win was not just about the points on the board, but a crucial moment of bonding. With several new players, the team has faced challenges in coming together, but they are beginning to find their rhythm.

“This win is huge for us,” said Ryan Lincoln, who plays outside positions for the Wolves. “We’ve got a lot of new players this year, and it’s been a process getting everyone on the same page—sorting out everyone’s individual quirks and making them align.”

Wolves head coach Jelle Kooijman, who has the challenge of training a young team, agreed.

“This is a really young team, lots of new players, lots of new tournaments, and many players in new positions they weren’t in last year,” he said.

Ahead of the game against La Cité, Kooijman reflected on the team’s recent losses.

“Last week, we had two tough losses in five sets. We made some errors, but we’ve been working on how to eliminate those mistakes in our meetings on Tuesdays,” said Kooijman. “We’ve talked about how these errors are costing us when we look at our stats.”

One challenge this season is service errors. The Wolves have committed 127 total in six games, ranking them second overall for making those errors, according to the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association.

Image shows graph of all service errors made each game by the wolves men volleyball team. — Photo credit: Caroline Kirkey

For their overall game play, they have made 35 service aces in six games, ranking seventh in the in the OCAA.

Mahmoud Abdelaziz, an outside hitter for the Wolves, kept himself calm and collected before the game against La Cité, understanding the pressure the team was under.

“I like to stay as relaxed as possible ’cause I feel the nerves before any game. So, personally me, I like to try and stay as relaxed and calm as possible, nothing too stimulating before the game,” said Abdelaziz.

Player Mahmoud Abdelaziz is reaching for the volleyball to score a point for his team. — Mahmoud Abdelaziz going in for the kill against the La Cite team. Photo credit: Caroline Kirkey

After the game, he said he focused on his serving, trying not to make any service errors. Abdelaziz was proud of how much his serves have improved.

“I’ve been having some serving struggles throughout the beginning of the season, but it’s nice to see it slowly starting to come together,” said Abdelaziz.

As the Wolves continue to find their footing this season, Kooijman remains optimistic about their growth and the collective effort behind their victories.

“When people come to games, they see the familiar names, but what’s not always visible is the work everyone puts in — from the starting players to those on the bench, and our staff,” he said. “This win is a result of that collective effort.”

With the team’s momentum building and a new sense of unity, the Wolves hope to carry the positive energy into their upcoming matches.

Sports & Recreation

Caroline Kirkey

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Caroline Kirkey

Algonquin Wolves are national college men’s soccer silver medallists

In rematch of the provincial championship, the Humber Hawks triumphed again

James Gray

Photos: Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association

November 11, 2024
Revised: November 11, 2024 10:02am

Photo: Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association

Two Humber players embrace after their victory. Algonquin's Gershom Dupuy stands on the right.

It was a bitter scene in Fredericton, N.B. as the Algonquin Wolves lost in the gold medal game of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association men’s soccer championships.

And it was against a familiar foe: the Humber Hawks, the team which beat Algonquin in the Ontario league final.

Algonquin's goalkeeper Olivier Langlois prepares to return an intercepted shot. Centre-back Kerim Tosun is behind him, while Humber forward Jacob Ball is on the left. — Algonquin goalkeeper Olivier Langlois prepares to return an intercepted shot. Centre-back Kerim Tosun is behind him, while Humber forward Jacob Ball is on the left. Photo credit: Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association

After losing that game, the Wolves came in as a wildcard team for the national championship. They proved their skill by carving through the Quebec champions Champlain Saint-Lambert Cavaliers (2-0) on Nov. 6, and the B.C. champions Langara Falcons (2-1) on Nov. 7.

The final game was on a cold, cloudy Nov. 9 day. Humber started off strong by scoring in the first half thanks to midfielder Franz Mella. They kept up the pressure and barely let the Wolves see their goalposts.

In the second half, the Wolves pushed to get down the pitch, but ultimately both teams made few shots and had no successes. In a grit-filled match, players were often knocked to the ground, and near the end there were almost more free kicks than normal kicks.

The match ended 1-0 for the Hawks, crowning them national college champions, and Algonquin as the silver medallists.

Gershom Dupuy about to strike a header. Photo credit: Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association

The silver is Algonquin’s first national men’s soccer trophy since 2015, when they won bronze. The last silver was in 2008, and the last gold was in 2006.

After the match, there seemed to be a dispute with unidentified players shoving and yelling at each other. The box score lists Humber’s Tomas Joseph and Jason Alvarado, and Algonquin’s Oscar Forward and Olivier Langlois, as being sent off “after game” for “violent conduct.” However, the matter was quickly broken up by other players, and the teams touched hands in respect.

Wolves players and staff could not be reached for comment by deadline.

The tournament was hosted at Fredericton’s Grant Harvey Turf Field with the help of St. Thomas University.

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